In this episode, Mike and Walt break down a hard truth in law enforcement training: just because you took a high-quality class doesn’t mean you learned anything useful—at least not for long.
They discuss well-known programs like Force Science, Blue to Gold, and Street Cop Training, and why even the best content fades fast if officers don’t actively engage with it after the fact.
Learn practical ways to turn training into long-term retention and useful field performance, including:
Teaching takeaways to others
Rewriting reports using new articulation methods
Scheduling spaced recall for memory
Creating your own checklists and reference tools
Sharing insights in roll call or FTO
If you’re serious about making training stick—and turning “great info” into actual field performance—this episode gives you the roadmap.
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Notes from the Episode
How to Make Training Stick
Retain it
Write a summary or teach it to someone else
Do this within 1–2 days
Apply it
Run a scenario, update a report, or debrief a real incident
Do this within 7 days
Reinforce it
Set calendar reminders to review and quiz yourself
Do this between 1 week and 3 months
Use it in the field
Add checklists, templates, or quick notes to your gear
Do this ongoing
Normalize it
Discuss key takeaways in roll call, FTO, or team meetings
Do this weekly or monthly
Reflect on it
Ask yourself what’s changed in your mindset or behavior
Do this within 1–2 weeks
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